Need to train more skilled cardiovascular technologists to meet rising cardiac care demand: C.N. Manjunath
Dr. C.N. Manjunath has called for an urgent increase in the training of cardiovascular technologists to address India's rising heart disease burden. He emphasized the need for better cardiac infrastructure and a hub-and-spoke model to improve access in rural and Tier-2 cities.
Why it matters
As heart disease rates rise among younger demographics, strengthening the specialized workforce and infrastructure is critical for national public health outcomes.
India must train more skilled cardiovascular technologists to meet the growing demand for cardiac care as the burden of heart disease continues to rise, Bengaluru Rural MP and Padma Shri awardee C.N. Manjunath said on Saturday (July 11, 2026).
Speaking at the inaugural session of ICVT LIVE 2026, organised by the Society of Indian Cardiovascular Technologists in Bengaluru, Dr. Manjunath said cardiovascular technologists play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of both diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. Dr. Manjunath formerly headed the State-run Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences.
“Cardiologists are the heart of cardiac care, but cardiovascular technologists are its brain,” he said, underscoring the need to strengthen the workforce in this specialised field.
He said that cardiovascular technologists work in catheterisation laboratories (cath labs), assisting cardiologists during procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty, stent implantation, device closures, pacemaker implantation, balloon valvuloplasty and transcatheter valve replacement.
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